A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), over his failure to appear in court for arraignment.
Justice Peter Kekemeke made the order on Thursday after Turaki did not attend proceedings in a criminal case filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police. The charge alleges that he provided false information to the police.
When the matter was called, prosecution counsel Usman Rabiu informed the court that the day’s proceedings were scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He noted that Turaki had been duly served with both the charge and a hearing notice but failed to appear without explanation.
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Rabiu then invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, urging the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s attendance for arraignment.
Defence counsel Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN) opposed the request, citing a pending motion seeking to quash the charge. He asked the court for additional time to file written arguments, insisting that his client’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.
The prosecution disagreed, arguing that any challenge to the validity of the charge could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the defendant’s absence was unjustified, especially as there was no dispute that he had been served with the necessary court documents. The judge stated that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA, a court is empowered to issue a bench warrant where a defendant deliberately fails to appear despite being aware of the charge.
The court further ruled that the defence motion to quash the charge was premature and could only be considered after arraignment.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently issued a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case until April 22, 2026, for his arraignment.
According to the charge, Turaki is accused of submitting a petition dated October 5, 2022, to the Inspector-General of Police, allegedly providing false information against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with the intent to misuse police authority, an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
The case is expected to attract significant attention as it unfolds, given its legal and political implications.
